Connecticut House Bill HB05173

Connecticut 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/11
• Refer: 1/11/11

Caption

An Act Requiring Dna Testing Of Persons Arrested For A Serious Felony Offense.

Impact

If enacted, HB 05173 would amend existing sections of the general statutes concerning DNA sampling and arrest procedures. The bill is anticipated to streamline the process through which law enforcement obtains DNA from suspects, thus potentially leading to quicker resolutions of serious felony cases. By integrating DNA testing into the arrest procedure, the bill supports the state's objectives to lower crime rates and improve the reliability of criminal investigations. Furthermore, it is expected to aid in the exoneration of wrongfully convicted individuals by allowing for more efficient and comprehensive testing methodologies.

Summary

House Bill 05173 requires persons arrested for serious felony offenses to submit to DNA testing. The bill aims to enhance the capabilities of law enforcement agencies in identifying perpetrators of serious crimes by mandating that DNA samples be collected at the time of arrest. This change is intended to facilitate investigations and improve the accuracy of criminal identification processes, ultimately contributing to public safety. The bill reflects an ongoing trend toward increasing the use of forensic science in the justice system to solve and prevent crime more effectively.

Contention

However, HB 05173 is not without its controversies. Critics of the bill may raise concerns regarding civil liberties, particularly the implications of mandating DNA collection from individuals merely arrested, rather than convicted. There may be objections that such a requirement infringes on personal privacy rights and could lead to potential misuse of genetic information. Advocates for civil rights may argue that indiscriminate DNA sampling could disproportionately affect marginalized communities, thereby exacerbating existing inequities in the criminal justice system. These issues are likely to be focal points of debate as the bill progresses through the legislative process.